Economy Archives – Athens County Independent

2025: The year in Athens County news

By Athens County Independent staff ● Government and Politics ● December 19, 2025

We take a look back at some of the year’s biggest stories — and give you updates on where things stand now.

Latest in Economy

Photo of the Johnson Run strip mine, taken from the roadside on a sunny summer day. A tractor enters the mine while another machine, mostly obscured, works at the bottom.

State report shows extent of mining activity in Athens County

By Dani Kington ● Environment ● December 11, 2025

A new report from the ODNR shows the degree and economic impact of mining in the county and state.

Former survivor advocacy org director loses bid to toss claims against her

By Dani Kington ● Nonprofits ● December 3, 2025

The Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program’s claims against Jen Seifert stand for now, though the legal battle is far from over.

Former survivor services director hopes to toss complaint against her

By Dani Kington ● Courts ● November 20, 2025

In the latest salvo in her legal battle against SAOP, Jen Seifert says facts about a 3D printer payment are in her favor.

Sign for Star Chamber Arcade on Court Street.

Star Chamber Arcade finds receptive audience in Athens

By Chris Miles ● Culture ● November 20, 2025

The owner says the business has attracted a broad cross-section of the community, including students, families and young children.

Albany man seeks to bridge food access gap with grocery store

By Eric Boll ● Infrastructure ● November 13, 2025

Gregg Montella plans to utilize the strong farming community that surrounds Albany to supply the store.

OU Baker Center escalater with UAOU supporters on one side and OU banner reading "thank a donor"

Photo gallery: United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) cheer-in

By Al Maloney ● Higher Education ● October 29, 2025

The group and its supporters held a rally at Baker University Center Wednesday, Oct. 29, to bring awareness to ongoing efforts to secure collective bargaining rights.

Debbie Phillips to step away as Rural Action CEO (Updated)

By Dani Kington ● Nonprofits ● October 23, 2025

Phillips said she is stepping away to pursue other work and would not address the nature of her separation from Rural Action.

Local 3D-printing company trains young people, bricklayers

By Dani Kington ● Infrastructure ● October 15, 2025

Through the Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program’s partnership with Vitruvian, the company is training students, people aging out of foster care, and former brick layers in the new industry.

Chauncey celebrates streetscaping project at groundbreaking

By Dani Kington ● Community ● October 9, 2025

The project will bring new sidewalks, lighting, murals and other amenities to the village.